TxDOT Project Updates

UNDATED – Here’s a quick look at work planned in the Tyler District during the Week of September 8.

CHEROKEE COUNTY –Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance crews are continuing the overlay and widening project on Farm Road 747 north of U.S. 79 west of Jacksonville. Motorists can expect the roadway to remain at one lane and are reminded to watch for flaggers and other traffic control devices when traveling through the work zone.

GREGG COUNTY –Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance crews are conducting milling operations on State Highway 135 in the Kilgore area. This project, which started on September 3, runs for about a mile and a half from Old Gladewater Highway south through the traffic circle to the Gregg/Rusk County Line. It is a multi-phase project that includes doing base repair work, followed by the application of a seal coat and a hot mix overlay. The work includes reducing the roadway to one travel lane through the area. Motorists can expect delays during this month-long job and are encouraged to allow extra time or use alternate routes to reach their destinations. Remember to slow down and pay attention when traveling through this and all work zones.

The Longview Area Office has several construction projects planned for the week.

�Longview Bridge & Road, Ltd. will begin construction at the intersection of Farm Road 2208 (Alpine Road) and Smelley Road on September 15. Message boards announcing the project will be in place this week. The construction stretches less than a mile from North Loop 281 to the Gregg/Harrison County Line. The work includes widening the roadway, drainage structures, seal coat and hot mix work all in preparation for the installation of a turn lane and upgrading the flashing yellow lights to a full traffic signal. This will require daytime lane closures causing delays to the traveling public. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes during construction.

* Work on the Loop 281 railroad overpass construction continues between State Highway 31 South to Ray Street in Longview and includes placing new signs and striping on new detour pavement, and conducting embankment work. Motorists should expect delays due to lane closures and work convoys at the beginning of the week as the contractor prepares to switch traffic to the new pavement.

* State Highway 42 widening construction from Interstate Highway 20 S to State Highway 31 in Kilgore will continue with placing concrete curb and gutter and driveways. Drivers should use caution as daily traffic control will include narrow lanes in this ongoing work.

* Construction of the bridge continues on Spinks Chapman Road southwest of the I-20 and SH 31 interchange near Kilgore. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes to reach their destinations due to the closure of Spinks Chapman Road at the bridge.

RUSK COUNTY –Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance crews in Henderson this week remain on Farm Road 840 between Farm Road 2867 and State Highway 315 conducting edge work. Motorists should expect daytime lane closures.

Elsewhere, work on the construction project to widen State Highway 64 in Henderson is scheduled to resume. The project consists of widening the existing two-lane roadway and constructing a four-lane facility along with a continuous Left Turn Lane. The contractor, L.S. Equipment Co., of Henderson, will perform the majority of the work outside the existing travel lanes, thereby lessening the impact on traffic. As work progresses motorists may experience delays due to periodic daytime lane closures. The $2.1 million project got under way in August 2013 and has had some delays due to utility adjustments and other unforeseen issues, but is expected to be completed in summer 2015.

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance crews in Smith County will conduct milling operations on U.S. Highway 69 South between Farm Road 346 and Farm Road 344 this week. Daytime lane closures will be in effect during this work. Motorists are reminded to slow down and be prepared merge in and around work zones.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be conducting necessary maintenance work at various locations around Van Zandt County. On the construction side, the Mineola Area Office bridge replacement project continues on County Road 2504 at Dry Lacy Fork where the existing bridge is being removed. The roadway is currently closed. Meanwhile, culvert work continues on Farm Road 317 from Farm Road 607 to Farm Road 314. Be prepared for lane closures on this job requiring motorists to slow down and pay attention in the work zone.

WOOD COUNTY — Work continues on the U.S. Highway 69 widening project in Mineola this week with the completion of a new special surface from SL 564 in Mineola to Farm Road 779 in Golden. Expect lane closures in this area. Elsewhere, seeding and general cleanup will continue on State Highway 154 from Lake Fork to Quitman. Day time lane closures will remain the norm as the job progresses so use caution when traveling through the area.